everybody says this is going to be smooth sailing for john kerry. what are your impressions so far about what we witnessed in the first hour? >> thomas, it's exactly as you said. senator kerry is going to be expeditedly confirmed by the senate. he's going to move into a position that he has been groomed for for almost five decades. i had the privilege of knowing him ever since i came to work for his senior senator for massachusetts, ted kennedy. i have enormous admiration. he car knows h agenda, and most importantly, he has the comedy of bipartisan relations on both sides of thei ieaisle a both sides of the congress. he's well respected, so he may have a much more easier time to get the resources that he needs, which ultimately is essential for him to succeed. >> we point out 28-plus years as a senator, so he knows highway around the hill very well. he is also adept at dealing with the protester who shows up at the end of his opening statements. i want to remind everybody what happened. take a listen. >> when will enough be enough? i'm tired of my f